Latest News

IrDA stack supports 9-wire IrCOMM 22/06/2004

Until recently most infrared-enabled devices could communicate using the simplest form of IrCOMM communications standard, known as ‘3-wire raw’. However, many recent mobile phone handsets, and an increasing range of other devices, now demand support for more sophisticated protocols before they will allow a connection to be established. To meet this requirement, MPC Data have now released optional ‘TinyTP’ and ‘IrCOMM 9-wire’ protocol components for our embedded IrDA stack.

Our IrDA stack offers full IrDA compatibility in a small, efficient library. The software has been specifically written for use in portable equipment and other resource-limited environments. The basic stack has been used in numerous products, and implements IrLAP, IrLMP (including the IAS and LM-Mux components), and IrCOMM 3-wire-raw support.

By adding TinyTP and IrCOMM 9-wire capability the range of interoperable devices has been extended considerably. Furthermore, the entire stack can act as either a primary or secondary device in an IrDA connection

The TinyTP layer can either be accessed via IrCOMM 9-wire, or directly via its own API. Both layers have been designed in strict compliance to the relevant IrDA specifications for maximum compatibility with third-party devices, whilst keeping the footprint as small as practical. The enhanced stack has been with Microsoft Windows operating systems, mobile phones (including Siemens and Nokia handsets), PDAs (HP, Sharp, Psion), and Hewlett Packard printers.

For more information see our IrDA stack pages.

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Medical sector booming for Windows CE 20/06/2004

Gold-level Systems Integrator MPC Data have just embarked on their fifth Windows CE project for the medical sector. They report that Windows CE now appears to be the preferred OS for many non safety-critical aspects of patient monitoring, data collection and analysis in medical systems.

MPC Data's latest project monitors heart rate, blood pressure and respiration on a battery powered wireless device, providing local data storage whilst also delivering results securely to a back-office server for more detailed analysis.

Another current project provides a CE based gateway capable of reporting the status of syringe drivers and infusion pumps. MPC Data's technical lead for this project notes that Windows CE 5 incorporates a number of new features which offer great benefits for this and other similar projects, including kernel-level watchdog support, better wireless support, enhanced database capabilities, and improved logging and security.

With their proven track record in delivering critical medical systems for a wide range of customers, and in-depth knowledge of both Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded, MPC Data anticipate several new Windows Embedded patient care projects over the next few months.

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MPC Data backs TenAsys INTime 15/06/2004

MPC Data have been designing and developing time critical and hard-real-time software for almost twenty years now, on a huge range of different hardware and software platforms. One product which has particularly caught our imagination is ‘INTime’ from TenAsys, which offers the ability to combine hard real time control algorithms, with the feature-rich MMI support of Microsoft Windows, on a single PC.

We are now delighted to report that we have been appointed as distributors and UK Technology Centre for TenAsys INTime products. Our unique combination of in-depth real-time expertise and Windows XP Embedded skills makes us the ideal choice for this role. As Microsoft Windows Embedded gold-level partners, you can be sure that we are the right company to help you with your next software development project, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with TenAsys and their UK customers.

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MPC Data to present at ACAL's European event 25/05/2004

As part of our closer collaboration with leading European distributor ACAL, MPC Data will be participating in their "Embedded boards and systems" seminar to be held in Brussels on the 15 th June 2004.
 
The event, which will feature presentations by MPC Data, ACAL and AAEON, is designed to provide delegates with a view of the latest hardware (single board computers, PC's, panels, workstations and chassis) and how MPC Data's system integration services can be used to bring products to market both on time and within budget.
 
If you are interested in attending the event please contact Frank Breeze at MPC Data or book online at: http://www.acal.be